Patrick—

I was reflecting on the upcoming transfer of power—the hallmark of American democracy since this country first introduced it to the modern world—and found myself fervently hoping that our fellow countrymen had decided in mass to observe “Dry January”.

Because what we need on Wednesday, I thought, wasn’t a citywide bar fight, but rather some relaxed and sober minds—no more drunken insurrectionist rampages through the beating heart of our federal government. And it was that thought that originally made me want to commend everyone who resolved to give up the drink for a month (certainly a praiseworthy objective!)

Yet as I sat down to write you—and realizing that we’re halfway through “Dry January” yet I’m still typing next to a stiff nightcap—it occurred to me that it isn’t sobriety but drinking in moderation that actually helps clarify my thoughts. It opens me up to my emotional sensibilities, and reintroduces me to what and who is important.

So it is with the world. In moderation, a sip of whiskey can bring disparate factions back together, as they toast to common causes and old friendships no matter what differences of opinion they harbor. Sure, too much alcohol—as you and I both know all too well—can be a recipe for disaster… be it sloppy fistfights, heated arguments, loopy misunderstandings, or just that next day hangover.

America seems to be in the midst of its own hangover right now, recovering from two months of binging on strife, conspiracy, and division.

Yet if the country follows our lead—drinking in accordance with habits that’ve mellowed as we trudge through the back half of our thirties—I’m sure we’ll get back to a world where cooler heads prevail, and that gentle buzz brings us all closer still.

So Happy Dry January, Patrick! I hope it’s working out for ya.

—Jesse